Gaming Machine Having Questionnaire Function And Control Method Thereof

ABSTRACT

A gaming machine of the present invention includes: a controller which executes a process of starting a game while it is triggered that a predetermined condition has been met, a process of counting the number of times of executing the game, and a process of judging whether or not the counted number of times of executing the game has reached a predetermined value; a stocker for stocking a form on which questions to be answered are printed; an ejection device which is capable of ejecting the form stocked in the stocker in a case where it is judged that the number of times of executing the game has reached a predetermined value by the controller; a re-collection device for re-collecting the form that is ejected by the ejection device and in which answers to questions are entered; a reading device which reads the form in which answers to questions are entered and which data-converts the read answer; a memory which stores the data-converted answers by the reading device and plural types of video data and audio data; and a reproduction device which reproduces video data or audio data stored in the memory. The controller executes a process of transfer to a waiting state waiting for re-collection of the form in which answers to questions have been entered, after ejecting the form by the ejection device, a process of associating an answer data-converted from the form re-collected after transfer to the waiting state, with a game history obtained until transfer to the waiting state, and storing the associated answer in the memory, and a process of selecting video data and audio data from the memory in accordance with the answer and game history stored in the memory. The reproduction device reproduces the video data and audio data selected by the controller.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates to a gaming machine and control method ofthe gaming machine that has a questionnaire function.

2. Description of the Related Art

Conventionally, in gaming facilities in which gaming machines such asslot machines are installed, players can enjoy games by inserting avariety of gaming mediums such as coins and cashes. Each of the gamingmachines is designed so as to pay out a payment according to a winningprize (game outcome) that takes place in the progress of a game.

In a casino in which a plurality of slot machines are installed, thereis a so called “jackpot” from which, after part of the credit consumedin each of the slot machines has been reserved, if the amount of thereservation reaches a predetermined amount of money, a large amount ofpayout is made such that a payment is not paid out to any of the slotmachines in an ordinary hit (see Published US Patent Application No.2003/073486, for example). In such slot machines, in the ordinary case,a hit takes place at each of the set probabilities, and players conductgames while anticipating the hit. By means of a lottery other than thatof the ordinary hit, which is based upon each of the probabilities setin the slot machines, a jackpot hit will arise on any of the slotmachines with a predetermined timing. Further, in order to achieve alarge amount of payouts at the time of establishment of “jackpot”, ingeneral, a plurality of casinos are interconnected via a network.

A system in which a host computer and a plurality of gaming machines areconnected via a network and the host computer controls generation of abonus in the gaming machines is disclosed (refer to U.S. Pat. No.5,820,459, for example). In this system, the host computer integratesthe number of coin insertions in each of the gaming machines andintegrates part of the number of coin insertions in the plurality ofgaming machines as a bonus pool. Further, the host computer imparts abonus qualification to the gaming machines in which the number of coininsertions has reached a predetermined number. When the value of thebonus pool has reached a predetermined threshold value, the hostcomputer transmits a command to one game machine selected from among thegaming machines to which the bonus qualification has been imparted. Inthe gaming machine having received the command, a bonus game with highgambling features is performed.

However, information which can be acquired by conventional slot machinesor host computer is objective information pertinent to games such asgame count, accumulative number of coin insertions, integral values ofbonus pool, an accumulative number of payouts, profits and deficits, andreturn rate, and it has been impossible to obtain subjective informationsuch as what players feel about games. Therefore, the conventionalgaming machines entail a problem that: in seeking to obtain the players'impression or evaluation relevant to games performed at slot machines orgaming facilities in which such slot machines are installed, there is aneed to make a market research for; and it takes a plenty of time toobtain a result of the research, further resulting in very high humancost.

The present invention has been made in view of the aforementionedcircumstance, and aims to provide a gaming machine and a control methodof the gaming machine that is capable of connecting the players' actualopinions of advantages or drawbacks of games, etc., which the playersfelt, within a short time.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first aspect of the present invention is directed to a gaming machine,including: a controller which executes a process of starting a game, astriggered by establishment of a predetermined condition; a readingdevice which reads a form in which an answer to a question has beenwritten and data-converts the read answer; and a memory, which storesthe answer data-converted by the reading device.

According to the abovementioned gaming machine, a game is started wherea predetermined condition has been met. Such games include: a base gamein which, for example, after gaming mediums are betted, symbols arerearranged on a display device, and then, a payment is made according toa combination of the rearranged symbols; a free game executed withoutbetting a gaming medium; and a common game in which players at gamingmachines participate simultaneously. Further, a form in which answers toquestions are entered is read, the read sheet is data-converted, andthen, the data-converted sheet is stored in a memory.

The questions to be answered contain player's age and gender, impressionand evaluation relative to games, and impression and evaluation ofgaming facilities on which gaming machines are installed. Thesequestions are printed in advance on entry sheets. By obtaining answersto these questions from players, it is possible to collect, within ashort time, information pertinent to players such as players' ages andgenders and players' actual opinions of advantages and drawbacks ofgames, etc., which the players felt, without making a market researchfor.

A second aspect of the present invention is directed to the gamingmachine according to the first aspect, further including: a memory whichstores plural types of video data and audio data; and a reproductiondevice which reproduces video data and audio data selected in responseto the stored answer.

According to the abovementioned gaming machine, images and musicresponsive to players' answers are reproduced, so that different imagesand music can be reproduced according to the players' ages and genders,making it possible to maintain the interest and concern of the playerswho continuously perform games.

A third aspect of the present invention is directed to the gamingmachine according to the first aspect, further including a communicationinterface connected to a counting server for counting the answer to thequestion, wherein the communication interface transmits the answerdata-converted by the reading device to the counting server togetherwith identification information for identifying a transmission source.

According to the abovementioned gaming machine, the answers obtained bythe gaming machine are counted by means of the counting server.Therefore, it is possible to collect, within a short time, informationpertinent to players such as the players' ages and genders and theplayer's actual opinions of advantages and drawbacks of games, etc.,which the players felt, without making a market research for. Further,when answers are transmitted to the counting server, identificationinformation for identifying a transmission source such as ID codes foridentifying gaming machines and ID codes for identifying gamingfacilities in which the gaming machines are installed is transmitted.Thus, information pertinent to players by gaming facility and by gamingmachine and impression and evaluation relevant to games can becollected, and marquee can be improved more remarkably by replacing onegaming machine with another or changing the contents of games, basedupon a result of the collection.

A fourth aspect of the present invention is directed to the gamingmachine according to the first aspect, wherein: the controller executesa process of counting the number of times of executing the game and aprocess of judging whether or not the counted number of times ofexecuting the game reaches a predetermined value, and further comprises:a stocker for stocking a form on which questions to be answered areprinted; and an ejection device, which is capable of ejecting the formstocked in the stocker in a case where it is judged that the number oftimes of executing the game reaches a predetermined value by thecontroller.

According to the abovementioned gaming machine, only in a case where thenumber of times of executing a game has reached a predetermined value, aform is ejected on which questions to be answered have been printed.Therefore, an answer from a player who has not actually performed a gameand an answer from a player who has performed a game a small number oftimes can be excluded from a counted total number. Consequently, forexample, if questions to be answered are printed in advance on a form,the questions being relevant to impression and evaluation of games andimpression and evaluation of gaming facilities on which gaming machinesare installed, the reliability of answers to these questions isenhanced.

A fifth aspect of the present invention is directed to the gamingmachine according to the fourth aspect, further including: are-collection device for re-collecting the form that is ejected by theejection device and in which answers to questions are entered, wherein:the reading device reads an answer from the form re-collected by there-collection device, and data-converts the read answer.

According to the abovementioned constitution, because entry sheets areejected and re-collected by the same gaming machine, the obtainedanswers are obtained as gaming machine-specific information.

A sixth aspect of the present invention is directed to the gamingmachine according to the fifth aspect, wherein the controller executes aprocess of setting a waiting state of waiting for re-collection of theform in which answers to questions are entered, after ejecting the formby the ejection device and a process of associating the answerdata-converted from the form re-collected after establishing the waitingstate, with a game history obtained until the waiting state isestablished, and then, storing the associated answer in the memory.

With the abovementioned structure, the forms are ejected andre-collected by the same gaming machine, and the answers obtained fromthe forms and the game history are stored in association with eachother, so that the resulting answers are obtained as gamemachine-specific information. Further, the answers and game history areassociated with each other, thus allowing players to keep track of acorrelation between information such as the player's age and gender andthe impression and evaluation of games and the game history such as thenumber of times of executing games or acquired prize money.

A seventh aspect of the present invention is directed to the gamingmachine according to the sixth aspect, further including: a memory whichstores plural types of video data and audio data; and a reproductiondevice which reproduces video data and audio data selected in responseto the stored answer and game history.

According to the abovementioned gaming machine, images and musicresponsive to the player's answers and game history are reproduced.Therefore, it is possible to reproduce images and music that aredifferent depending upon the player's age and gender, and maintain theinterest and concern of the player who is continuously performing agame. Further, if a large number of games are executed, bonus image andbonus music can be reproduced in a case where a large amount of prizemoney is acquired, for example, making it possible to entertain theplayer.

An eighth aspect of the present invention is directed to the gamingmachine according to the fifth aspect, wherein the re-collection devicehas: a re-collection box for stocking a form from which an answer can beread, from among the answered entry sheets; and another re-collectionbox for re-collecting a form from which an answer cannot be read.

According to the abovementioned gaming machine, the form from answerscan be read and that from which answers cannot be read are re-collectedin a state in which they are sorted out from each other. Therefore, asto the forms from which the answers cannot be read, for example, theanswers can be stored in a memory by means of manual entry, and moreanswers can be collected.

A ninth aspect of the present invention is directed to a gaming machine,including: a controller which executes a process of starting a game, astriggered by establishment of a predetermined condition, a process ofcounting the number of times of executing the game, and a process ofjudging whether or not the counted number of times of executing the gamehas reached a predetermined value; a stocker for stocking a form onwhich questions to be answered are printed; an ejection device which iscapable of ejecting the form stocked in the stocker in a case where itis judged that the number of times of executing the game has reached apredetermined value by the controller; a re-collection device forre-collecting the form that is ejected by the ejection device and inwhich answers to questions are entered; a reading device which reads theform in which answers to questions are entered and which data-convertsthe read answer;

a memory which stores the answers data-converted by the reading deviceand plural types of video data and audio data; and a reproduction devicewhich reproduces video data or audio data stored in the memory, wherein:the controller executes a process of transfer to a waiting state waitingfor re-collection of the form in which answers to questions have beenentered, after ejecting the form by the ejection device, a process ofassociating an answer data-converted from the form re-collected aftertransfer to the waiting state with a game history obtained untiltransfer to the waiting state, and storing the associated answer in thememory, and a process of selecting video data and audio data from thememory in accordance with the answer and game history stored in thememory, and wherein: the reproduction device reproduces the video dataand audio data selected by the controller.

According to the abovementioned gaming machine, a game is started wherea predetermined condition has been met. Such games include: a base gamein which, after gaming mediums are betted, for example, symbols arerearranged on a display device, and then, a payment is made according toa combination of the rearranged symbols; a free game executed withoutbetting a gaming medium; and a common game in which players at gamingmachines participate simultaneously.

In the abovementioned gaming machine, the form in which the answers toquestions are entered is read, the read sheet is data-converted, andthen, the data-converted sheet is stored in a memory. The questions tobe answered contain: player's age and gender, impression and evaluationrelative to games; and impression and evaluation of gaming facilities onwhich gaming machines are installed. These questions are printed inadvance on entry sheets. Answers to these questions are obtained fromplayers, thereby making it possible to collect, within a short time,information pertinent to players such as the players' ages and gendersand the players' actual opinions of advantages and drawbacks of gamesetc., which the players felt, without making a market research for.

According to the abovementioned gaming machine, only in a case where thenumber of times of executing a game has reached a predetermined value, aform is ejected on which questions to be answered have been printed.Therefore, an answer from a player who has not actually performed a gameand an answer from a player who has performed a game a small number oftimes can be excluded from a counted total number. Consequently, forexample, if questions to be answered are printed in advance on a form,the questions being relevant to impression and evaluation of games andimpression and evaluation of gaming facilities, on which gaming machinesare installed, the reliability of answers to these questions isenhanced.

Further, the forms are ejected and re-collected by the same gamingmachine, and the answers obtained from the forms and the game historyare stored in association with each other, so that the obtained answersare obtained as game machine-specific information. Further, the answersand game history are associated with each other, thus allowing playersto keep track of a correlation between information such as the player'sage and gender and impression and evaluation of games and the gamehistory such as the number of times of executing games or acquired prizemoney.

Further, according to the abovementioned gaming machine, images andmusic responsive to the player's answers and game history arereproduced. Therefore, it is possible to reproduce images and music thatare different depending upon the player's age and gender and maintainthe interest and concern of the player who is continuously performing agame. Further, if a large number of games are executed, bonus image andbonus music can be reproduced in a case where a large amount of prizemoney is acquired, for example, making it possible to entertain theplayer.

A tenth aspect of the present invention is directed to a gaming machine,including: a controller which executes a process of starting a game, astriggered by establishment of a predetermined condition, a process ofcounting the number of times of executing the game, and a process ofjudging whether or not the counted number of times of executing the gamehas reached a predetermined value; a stocker for stocking a form onwhich questions to be answered are printed; an ejection device which iscapable of ejecting the form stocked in the stocker in a case where itis judged that the number of times of executing the game has reached apredetermined value by the controller; a re-collection device forre-collecting the form that is ejected by the ejection device and inwhich answers to questions are entered; a reading device which reads theform in which answers to questions are entered and which data-convertsthe read answer; and a memory which stores the answer data-converted bythe reading device, wherein:

the re-collection device has: a re-collection box for stocking a formfrom which an answer can be read, from among the answered entry sheets;and another re-collection box for re-collecting a form from which ananswer cannot be read.

According to the abovementioned gaming machine, a game is started wherea predetermined condition has been met. Such games include: a base gamein which, for example, after gaming mediums are betted, symbols arerearranged on a display device, and then, a payment is made according toa combination of the rearranged symbols; a free game executed withoutbetting a gaming medium; and a common game in which players at gamingmachines participate simultaneously.

In the abovementioned gaming machine, a form in which answers toquestions are entered is read, the read sheet is data-converted, andthen, the data-converted sheet is stored in a memory. Questions to beanswered contain a player's age and gender, impression and evaluationrelative to games, and impression and evaluation of gaming facilities onwhich gaming machines are installed, and these questions are printed inadvance on entry sheets. Answers to these questions are obtained fromplayers, thereby making it possible to collect, within a short time,information pertinent to players such as the players' ages and gendersand the player's actual opinions of advantages and drawbacks of gamesetc., which the players felt, without making a market research for.

According to the abovementioned gaming machine, only in a case where thenumber of times of executing a game has reached a predetermined value, aform is ejected on which questions to be answered have been printed.Therefore, an answer from a player who has not actually performed a gameand an answer from a player who has performed a game a small number oftimes can be excluded from a counted total number. Consequently, forexample, if questions to be answered are printed in advance on a form,the questions being relevant to impression and evaluation of games andimpression and evaluation of gaming facilities, on which gaming machinesare installed, the reliability of answers to these questions isenhanced.

Further, according to the abovementioned gaming machine, the form fromanswers can be read and that from which answers cannot be read arere-collected in a state in which they are sorted out from each other.Therefore, as to the forms from which the answers cannot be read, forexample, the answers can be stored in a memory by means of manual entry,and more answers can be collected.

An eleventh aspect of the present invention is directed to a controlmethod of acquiring from a player an answer to a question, comprisingthe steps of: starting a game while it is triggered that a predeterminedcondition has been met; reading, by a reading device, a form in which ananswer to a question has been entered; data-converting the read answer;and storing the data-converted answer in a memory.

According to the present invention, a game is started where apredetermined condition has been met. Such games include: a base game inwhich, for example, after gaming mediums are betted, symbols arerearranged on a display device, and then, a payment is made according toa combination of the rearranged symbols; a free game executed withoutbetting a gaming medium; and a common game in which players at gamingmachines participate simultaneously.

Further, the form in which the answers to questions are entered is read,the read sheet is data-converted, and then, the data-converted sheet isstored in a memory. The questions to be answered contain player's ageand gender, impression and evaluation relative to games, and impressionand evaluation of gaming facilities on which gaming machines areinstalled, and these questions are printed in advance on entry sheets.By obtaining answers to these questions from players, it is possible tocollect, within a short time, information pertinent to players such asthe players' ages and genders and the players' actual opinions ofadvantages and drawbacks of games, etc., which the players felt, withoutmaking a market research for.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an illustrative view of a questionnaire screen output by agaming machine according to the present embodiment;

FIG. 2 is an explanatory view of processing operations of a gamingsystem according to the embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view schematically showing a gaming machine;

FIG. 4 is an explanatory view of a payout table in the embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram depicting an interior configuration of thegaming machine;

FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing a questionnaire sheet ejectionmechanism;

FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing an exemplary questionnaire sheetstocked in the gaming machine;

FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing a detail of a questionnairere-collecting device;

FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing a written example of thequestionnaire sheet;

FIG. 10 is a block diagram depicting an interior configuration of acounting server;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing procedures for executing main processingat the gaming machine;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing procedures for executing main processingat the gaming machine;

FIG. 13 is a table showing a relationship between players' ages andvideo data and audio data to be selected;

FIG. 14 is a view showing exemplary images displayed on the upper andlower image display panels in the insurance-off mode.

FIG. 15 is a view showing exemplary images displayed on the upper andlower image display panels in the insurance-off mode.

FIG. 16 is a view showing exemplary images displayed on the upper andlower image display panels in the insurance-on mode.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing procedures for performing games duringthe insurance-on mode;

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing procedures for performing games duringthe insurance-on mode;

FIG. 19 is a schematic view showing an exemplary counting databaseincluded in the counting server;

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing procedures for executing single-gameprocessing;

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing procedures for determining symbols to bestopped;

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing procedures for executing reel rotationcontrol processing;

FIGS. 23A to 23D are illustrative side views of reel rotating operation;

FIG. 24 is a schematic view showing a correlation table between thenumber of steps and code Nos.; and

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing procedures for performing startupprocessing.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described indetail referring to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an illustrative view of aquestionnaire screen output by a gaming machine according to the presentembodiment. In the embodiment, the gaming machine is a slot machine (seeFIG. 3). However, the gaming machine may be a so called single gamingmachine such as video slot machine or video card game machine, forexample, without being limitative to the slot machine. Alternatively, itmay be so called multiple gaming machines (multi-terminal gamingmachines), which perform games requiring a predetermined time until anoutcome is displayed, such as a horserace game, a bingo game, and alottery.

In the gaming machine 10, coins, bills, or electronic valuableinformation are employed as gaming mediums. In the present invention,however, medals, tokens, electronic money, or tickets, for example, maybe employed as gaming mediums without being limitative thereto inparticular. As the abovementioned tickets, for example, barcode-attached tickets, as described later, may be employed without beinglimitative thereto in particular.

At the gaming machine 10, a game (That generally performed at a slotmachine. Hereinafter, referred to as a base game) is performed in which:after gaming mediums equal to or smaller than a predetermined maximumbet number has been betted, a plurality of symbols are displayed in astopped state after they are variably displayed, by reels 14 (14L, 14C,14R), as a symbol display device; and a payout amount is determinedaccording to the symbols displayed in a stopped state on the payline Lor a combination thereof.

Moreover, an insurance-off mode is transferred to an insurance-on modeon condition that a predetermined number (1, in the embodiment) ofgaming mediums has been entered. If the number of times of executing allof the base games performed after transfer to the insurance-on mode(hereinafter, referred to as total game count C) reaches a predeterminednumber (second predetermined value Th2, for example, 1,000 times), apredetermined number of gaming machines (360 in the embodiment) is paid,and a free game is performed.

The free game is performed even if no gaming mediums are betted. In thisgame, a plurality of symbols is variably displayed on reels 14, andthereafter, the variably displayed symbols are displayed in a stoppedstate according to the symbols displayed in a stopped state or acombination thereof. Further, the amount of payment is determinedaccording to the symbols displayed in a stopped state or a combinationof the displayed symbols. In other words, the free games, the contentsof which are identical to those of base games, are performed even if nogaming medium is betted. The free games may be performed by apredetermined number of times (for example, 100 times), oralternatively, may be varied according to the game history of the basegame.

The gaming system 100 according to the embodiment performs countdowneffect rendering on both of the gaming machines 10 and the commondisplay device 200 until the free game is started, in order to enhanceanticipation or excitement of the players relative to the free games.This countdown effect rendering is performed if the number of times ofexecuting base games reaches a specific number of times (a firstpredetermined value Th1, for example, 990 times).

Specifically, when countdown effect rendering is performed in the gamingmachine 10, a countdown effect image (or picture) is displayed on adisplay device provided at the gaming machine 10 (upper image displaypanel 33 shown in FIG. 3).

The gaming machine 10 serves to count the number of times of executingthe base game. This gaming machine also outputs a questionnaire sheet 39to the lower image display panel 16 in order to acquire the informationpertinent to players per se or evaluation and impression of the contentsof games or gaming facilities after the counted number of execution ofthe base game has reached a predetermined value. While the number oftimes of executing the base game may be arbitrarily set for outputtingthe questionnaire sheet 39, in the embodiment, the above predeterminedvalue is set to 1,000 (i.e., second predetermined value Th2) in order toprovide questionnaire after a free game has terminated.

On the front face of the lower image display panel 16, a touch panel 69is provided as an input device of the present invention so as to allowthe player to supply various instructions while in the play of a game orto make a selection of whether or not to answer to the questionnaire, byway of the player's operation of depressing the touch panel 69.

In the embodiment, after the number of times of executing the base gamehas reached the aforementioned first predetermined value, in a casewhere a free game is performed, the lower image display panel 16displays an answer request screen A100, as shown in FIG. 1, in order toprompt the player for answer to questionnaire. This answer requestscreen A100 displays a message prompting a player to fill out answers toa questionnaire, and further, an answer acceptance button A101 and ananswer rejection button A102 are arranged which function as operationalinput sections in the touch panel 69.

When the player depresses the answer acceptance button A101 on theanswer request screen A100, the gaming machine 10 outputs thequestionnaire sheet 39 as shown in FIG. 1. The figure shows only part ofthe questionnaire sheet 39, and a detailed description thereof will begiven referring to FIGS. 8 and 9. The output questionnaire sheet 39 iswritten for answer from the player and is re-collected by a gamingmachine 10 that is the same as that outputting the questionnaire sheet,and then, data processing of the answer is performed in this gamingmachine 10.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory view of processing operations of a gamingsystem according to the embodiment. A gaming system 100 according to theembodiment is provided with: a plurality of gaming machines 10; and acounting server 200 connected thereto via a communication line 101. Thisgaming system 100, which is capable of performing a variety of games,may be constructed in one gaming facility such as bar parlor or casino,or alternatively, may be constructed among a plurality of gamingfacilities. The gaming system 100 may be constructed in one gamingfacility on a floor-by-floor basis or on a section-by-section basis inthe gaming facility.

Gaming machines 10 are assigned unique ID numbers (hereinafter, referredto as gaming machine ID numbers) and gaming facility ID numbers ofgaming facilities in which the gaming machines 10 are installed(hereinafter, referred to as gaming facility numbers). The countingserver 200 discriminates sources of data sent from each of the gamingmachines 10 in accordance with the gaming machine ID numbers and gamingfacility numbers. The data that each of the gaming machines 10 transmitsto the counting server 200 includes the answers from the players, whichwere obtained by re-collection of the aforementioned questionnaire sheet39. If the counting server 200 transmits data to the gaming machine 10as well, a transmission destination is specified using the gamingmachine ID numbers and the gaming facility numbers. In addition to thenumbers, characters, signs, numbers, and combinations thereof can beemployed as information for identifying the gaming machines and gamingfacilities.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view schematically showing the gaming machine10. The gaming machine 10 is provided with: a cabinet 11; a top box 12,which is installed at the upper side of the cabinet 11; and a main door13, which is provided on the front face of the cabinet 11. Three reels14 (14L, 14C, 14R) are rotatably provided inside of the cabinet 11. Asymbol array consisting of 22 pictures (hereinafter, referred to assymbols) are drawn on the outer periphery of each of the reels 14.

A lower image display panel 16 is provided in front of each of the reels14 at a main door 13. The lower image display panel 16 is provided witha transparent liquid crystal display panel on which a variety of imagesor effect images, etc., pertinent to games are displayed during the playof the games. A credit amount display section 31 and a payout numberdisplay section 32 are provided on the lower image display panel 16. Thecredit amount display section 31 displays the number of credited coinsby way of image. The payout number display section 32 displays, by wayof image, the number of coins to be paid out if a predeterminedcombination of symbols is displayed in a stopped state on a payline L.

On the lower image display panel 16, three display windows 15 (15L, 15C,15R), which are capable of visually recognizing a rear face of thedisplay panel, are formed, and the symbols drawn on the outer peripheryof the reels 14 via the display windows 15 are displayed on athree-by-three symbols basis. On the lower image display panel 16, onepayline horizontally crossing the three display windows 15 is formed.The payline L defines a combination of symbols. If a predeterminedcombination of symbols is displayed in a stopped state on the payline L,coins are paid out, the number of which corresponds to the predeterminedcombination and the number of inserted coins (BET number).

In the present invention, for example, where a plurality of paylines Lhorizontally or obliquely crossing the three display windows 15, forexample, is formed, the paylines L are activated, the number of whichcorresponds to that of inserted coins, and then, a predeterminedcombination of symbols are displayed in a stopped state, coins of whichthe number corresponds to the predetermined combination may be paid out.

Further, a touch panel 69 is provided on the front face of the lowerimage display panel 16, so that the player can input a variety ofinstructions in games or a selection of whether or not answer toquestionnaire is performed, by operating the touch panel 69.

A control panel 20 consisting of a plurality of buttons 23 to 27 forentering instructions pertinent to the progress of a game by a player; acoin insertion slot 21 for accepting coins in the cabinet 11; and a billvalidator 22, are provided downwardly of the lower image display panel16.

A SPIN button 23, a CHANGE button 24, a CASHOUT button 25, a 1-BETbutton 26, and a MAX-BET button 27 are provided on the control panel 20.The SPIN button 23 is for entering an instruction of starting rotationof the reels 14. The change button 24 is intended for use in asking anattendant of the gaming facility for change. The CASHOUT button 25 isintended to enter an instruction for paying out credited coins to thecoin tray 18.

The 1-BET button 26 is intended to enter an instruction for betting oneof the credited coins on a game. The MAX-BET button 27 is intended toenter an instruction for betting the maximum number of credited coins(50 coins in the embodiment) that can be betted on one game.

In the present invention, insertion of gaming mediums denotes thatgaming mediums are consumed. The gaming mediums are consumed where theyare betted on a game and where they are consumed to migrate to aninsurance-on mode described later. For example, if the coins insertedinto the coin insertion slot 21 are directly betted on a game, the coininsertion into the coin insertion slot 21 is equivalent to gaming mediuminsertion. As in the present invention, however, if coins aretemporarily credited after being inserted into the coin insertion slot21 and if the credited coins are betted by operating the 1-BET button 26or the MAX-BET button 27, such betting is equivalent to gaming mediuminsertion.

The bill validator 22 validates legitimacy of bills and accepts thelegitimate bills in the cabinet 11. The bill validator 22 may beconstituted so as to allow reading of the bar code-attachedquestionnaire sheet 39 described later. On the lower front face of themain door 13, i.e., downwardly of the control panel 20, a belly glass34, on which characters or the like of the gaming machine 10 are drawn,is provided.

An upper image display panel 33 is provided on the front face of the topbox 12. The upper image display panel 33 is provided with a liquidcrystal panel, and, for example, images are displayed which areindicative of an introduction to effect images or the contents of gamesand an explanation of the rules of the games.

A speaker 29 is provided on the top box 12. A ticket printer 35, a cardreader 36, a data display 37, and a keypad 38 are provided on the topbox 12. The ticket printer 35 prints, on the questionnaire sheet 39prepared in equipment, the data-encoded bar code such as credit amount,date and time, or ID numbers of gaming machines 10.

The card reader 36 is intended to read and write data from/into a smartcard. The smart card is owned by a player, and stores data foridentifying a player or data pertinent to a history of games performedby players, for example. The smart card may store data equivalent tocoins, bills, or credits. In place of the smart card, further, amagnetic stripe card may be employed. The data display 37 is made up ofa fluorescent display or the like, and stores data read by the cardreader 36 or data input by a player via the keypad 38, for example. Thekeypad 38 is intended for entering the instructions or data pertinent tothe issuance of tickets.

FIG. 4 is a view for explaining a payout table in the embodiment.“DOUBLE”, “3BAR”, “2BAR”, “1BAR”, and “CHERRY” contained in the payouttable indicate types of symbols drawn on each of the reels 14. Inaddition to the aforementioned symbols, a bonus trigger or any othersymbol is drawn as a symbol corresponding to “GIFT BONUS”. “ANY BAR”contained in the payout table indicates “3BAR”, “2BAR”, or “1 BAR”, and“ANY” denotes any symbol.

Combinations of the symbols shown in the payout table denote winningcombinations, and the payout number of coins according to a BET numberis set for each of the combinations. If a combination of the symbolsdisplayed in a stopped state on each of the reels 14 is that of thebonus triggers of “GIFT BONUS”, a predetermined number of coins are paidout as a jackpot. The numerical values corresponding to “GIFT BONUS”described on the payout table denote expectation values of the coinpayout numbers, and are uniform irrespective of the BET numbers. If thenumber of bets is 1BET, therefore, settings are provided such that aprobability of “GIFT BONUS” is low and a large number of coins are paidout. This probability is set according to symbol-weighted data.

Four different types of jackpots “GRAND”, “MAJOR”, “MINOR”, and “MINI”are provided in sequential order from the largest payout number ofcoins. The lower probabilities of occurrence of these jackpots are set,as a larger payout number of coins is. Further, which one of thejackpots is established is randomly determined using random numbervalues. The expectation values of the coin payout numbers in thejackpots are uniform.

After the 1-BET button 26 or the MAX-BET button 27 has been depressed,when a SPIN button 23 is depressed to start a game, the columns of thesymbols drawn on each of the reels 14 are displayed in a scrolled-downmanner, together with rotation of each of the reels 14. After an elapseof a predetermined time, these columns of the symbols are displayed in astopped state on the display window 15, together with rotation stop ofeach of the reels 14. Further, if a variety of winning combinations arepredetermined based upon combinations of the symbols, and a combinationof the symbols corresponding to one of these winning combinations isthen stopped on a payline L, the payout number of coins corresponding tothe winning combination is added to the player-owned credit. When acombination of “GIFT BONUS” bonus triggers is realized, a predeterminedpayout number is added to the player-owned credit.

The present embodiment describes a case in which a jackpot-based coinpayout is made when a combination of bonus triggers is realized. In thepresent invention, however, a game-playing state, which is establishedwhen the combination of the bonus triggers is realized, is notlimitative in particular, and games such as a second game and a mysterybonus game can be performed, for example. When a bonus trigger isestablished, a bar code-attached questionnaire sheet 39 may be issued onwhich predetermined information was printed.

In the payout table, combinations of the symbols indicated by italicsare those in which 180 or more coins are paid out when they are realizedin a game performed by MAX-BET. In the game performed by MAX-BET in aninsurance-on mode, if any one of these symbol combinations is realized,the insurance-on mode migrates to the insurance-off mode.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram depicting an interior configuration of thegaming machine 10. A gaming board 50 is provided with: a CPU (CentralProcessing Unit) 51 interconnected via an internal bus; a ROM 55 and aboot ROM 52; a card slot 53S corresponding to a memory card 53; and anIC socket 54S corresponding to a GAL (General Array Logic) 54.

The memory card 53 is made up of a nonvolatile memory such asCompactFlash®, and stores game programs and game system programs. Thegame programs include a stopped-symbol determination program. Thestopped-symbol determination program is intended to determine symbols ofeach of the reels 14, which are displayed in a stopped state on thepayline L (code Nos. corresponding to symbols). The above stopped-symboldetermination program includes symbol-weighted data corresponding toeach of a plurality of payout rates (80%, 84%, 88%, for example). Thesymbol-weighted data is indicative of a correspondence between code Nos.of symbols (see FIG. 3) and one or a plurality of random number valuesbelonging to a predetermined numeric range (0 to 256). The payout ratesare determined based upon the payout rate setting data that is outputfrom the GAL 54, and a lottery is performed based upon thesymbol-weighted data corresponding to the payout rates.

In addition, a card slot 53S is constituted to enable removableinsertion of the memory card 53, and the card slot is connected to amotherboard 40 by means of an IDE bus. Therefore, the memory card 53 isremoved from the card slot 53S, other game programs and game systemprograms are written into the memory card 53, and the memory card 53 isthen inserted into the card slot 53S, thereby making it possible to varythe kinds or contents of the games performed at the gaming machine 10.Further, the memory card 53 storing one group of game programs and gamesystem programs is replaced with that storing another group of gameprograms and game system programs, thereby making it possible to varythe kinds or contents of the games performed at the gaming machine 10.The game programs include those which are relevant to the operatingprocedures for performing games. Further, they also include video dataor sound data output during the play of a game and video data or sounddata for notifying a transfer to the insurance-on mode.

The GAL 54 is a kind of PLD having an OR-fixed arrayed structure. TheGAL 54 is provided with pluralities of IN ports and OUT ports. Ifpredetermined items of data are input to the IN port, the correspondingdata is output from the OUT port. The data output from the OUT port isequivalent to the above-described payout rate setting data. Further, theIC socket 54S is constituted so that the GAL 54 is removable, and isconnected to a motherboard 40 by means of a PCI bus. Therefore, the GAL54 is removed from the IC socket 54S, the program stored in the GAL 54is rewritten, and the GAL 54 is then mounted to the IC socket 54S,whereby the payout rate setting data output from the GAL 54 can bevaried. Further, the GAL 54 is replaced with the replacement GAL 54,thereby making it possible to vary the payout rate setting data.

The CPU 51, the ROM 55, and the boot ROM 52 that are interconnected viathe internal bus are connected to the motherboard 40 via a PCI bus. ThePCI bus not only performs signal transmission between the motherboard 40and the gaming board 50, but also supplies power from the motherboard 40to the gaming board 50. The ROM 55 stores country identificationinformation and an authentication program. The boot ROM 52 stores apreliminary authentication program and a program (boot code) or the likefor the CPU 51 to boot the preliminary authentication program.

The authentication program is a program (falsification check program)for authenticating game programs and game system programs. Theauthentication program is described along verification and certificationof the fact that the game programs and game system programs targeted forauthentication capturing processing are not falsified, i.e., along theprocedures for authenticating the game programs and game system programs(authentication procedures). The preliminary authentication program isintended to authenticate the authentication program described above. Thepreliminary authentication program is described along certification ofthe fact that the authentication program targeted for authenticationprocessing is not falsified, i.e., along the procedures forauthenticating the authentication program (authentication procedures).

The motherboard 40 is constituted using a commercially availablemotherboard (a printed wiring board having basic parts of a personalcomputer mounted thereon), and is provided with: a main CPU 41; a ROM(Read Only Memory) 42; a RAM (Random Access Memory) 43; and acommunication interface 44. The main CPU 41 serves as a processor of thepresent invention.

The ROM 42 stores the programs and permanent data pertinent to a BIOS(Basic Input/Output System) or the like, which is made up of memorydevices such as a flash memory and executed by the main CPU 41. When themain CPU 41 executes the BIOS, a predetermined process of initializingperipherals is performed, and a process of acquiring the game programsand game system programs stored in the memory card 53 via the gamingboard 50 is then started. In the present invention, the contents of theROM 42 may be rewritable or not.

The RAM 43 stores data and programs used when the main CPU 41 isactivated. Further, the RAM 43 can store authentication programs, gameprograms, and game system programs read via the gaming board 50.

Furthermore, in the RAM 43, three storage areas are provided for storingan answer written in a questionnaire sheet re-collected by aquestionnaire re-collecting device 37; data which is indicative of atotal game count C; and data which is indicative of the remaining freegame count. The remaining free game count is indicative of the remainingcounted number of unit free game repeated as a free game.

In the RAM 43, an area for storing an insurance-on mode flag isprovided. The insurance-on mode flag is indicative of whether aninsurance-on mode or an insurance-off mode is established. Theinsurance-on mode flag storing area consists of a predetermined bitnumber of storing areas, for example, and the insurance-on mode flag isset to “ON” or “OFF”, according to the contents of storage in thestoring area. The insurance-on mode flag “ON” indicates an insurance-onmode and the insurance-off mode flag “OFF” indicates an insurance-offmode. Further, the RAM 43 stores the data pertinent to credit amountsand coin insertion numbers or payout numbers in one game.

A communication interface 44 is for making communication with thecounting server 200 via the communication line 101. The main CPU 41transmits to the counting server 200 via the communication interface 44the answers from players that were obtained by re-collection of thequestionnaire sheet 39. The counting server 200 counts the answers fromthe players that were transmitted from the gaming machines 10.

To the motherboard 40, a main body PCB (Printed Circuit Board) 60 and adoor PCB 80, described later, is interconnected by means of a USB.Further, a power unit 45 is connected to the motherboard 40. When poweris supplied from the power unit 45 to the motherboard 40, the main CPU41 of the motherboard 40 is activated. Further, power is supplied to thegaming board 50 via the PCI bus, and the CPU 51 is then activated.

To the main body PCB 60 and the door PCB 80, equipment or devices areconnected which generates an input signal input to the main CPU 41 andan operation of which is controlled by means of a control signal outputfrom the main CPU 41. The main CPU 41 executes the game programs andgame system programs that were stored in the RAM 43, based upon an inputsignal which was input to the main CPU 41, thereby performingpredetermined computation to store a result thereof to the RAM 43 ortransmit a control signal to equipment or devices in a control processrelevant to equipment or devices.

A lamp 30, a sub CPU 61, a hopper 66, a coin detecting section 67, agraphic board 68, a speaker 29, a touch panel 69, a bill validator 22, aticket printer 35, a card reader 36, a key switch 38S, and aquestionnaire re-collecting device 37 are connected to the main body PCB60. The lamp 30 lights in a predetermined pattern, based upon a controlsignal output from the main CPU 41.

A sub CPU 61 controls rotation and stoppage of reels 14 (14L, 14C, 14R).A motor driving circuit 62, which is provided with an FPGA (FieldProgrammable Gate Array) 63 and a driver 64, is connected to the sub CPU61. The FPGA 63 is an electronic circuit such as a programmable LSI, andfunctions as a control circuit of stepping motors 70. The driver 64functions as a circuit for amplifying pulses input to the steppingmotors 70. The stepping motors 70 (70L, 70C, 70R) for rotating the reels14 are connected to the motor driving circuit 62. Each of the steppingmotors 70 is a 1-2 phase-excitation type stepping motor.

In the present invention, the excitation system of the stepping motorsis not limitative in particular, and another excitation system such as2-phase excitation system or 1-phase excitation system, for example, canbe employed. A DC motor may be employed in place of the stepping motors.When the DC motor is employed, a deviation counter, a D/A converter, anda servo amplifier are connected to the sub CPU 61 in sequential order,and the DC motor is connected to the servo amplifier. Further, therotational position of the DC motor is detected by means of a rotaryencoder, and data concerning the current rotational position of the DCmotor is supplied from the rotary encoder to the deviation counter.

An index detecting circuit 65 and a position change detecting circuit 71are connected to the sub CPU 61. The index detecting circuit 65 detectsthe position of the reels 14 in rotation (index described later), andfurther, is capable of detecting step-out of the reels 14. Rotation andstop control of the reels 14 will be described later in detail,referring to the drawings.

The position change detecting circuit 71 detects a change of a stopposition of the reels 14 after rotation of the reels 14 has stopped. Forexample, the position change detecting circuit 71 detects a change ofthe stop position of the reels 14 according to a case, etc., in which aplayer forcibly changes the stop position so as to realize a winningcombination of symbols, in spite of the fact that none of the winningsymbol combinations is actually realized. The position change detectingcircuit 71 is constituted so that the change of the stop position of thereels 14 can be detected by detecting a fin (not shown) mounted to theinside of the reels 14 at predetermined intervals.

The hopper 66 is installed in a cabinet 11, and a predetermined numberof coins are paid out from the coin payout opening 19 to the coin tray18, based upon the control signal output from the main CPU 41. A coindetecting section 67 is provided inside of the coin payout opening 19,and outputs an input signal to the main CPU 41, if it is detected that apredetermined number of coins have been paid out from the coin payoutopening 19.

A graphic board 68 controls the images to be displayed on the upper andlower image display panels 33 and 16, based upon the control signaloutput from the main CPU 41. The number-of-credits display portion 31 onthe lower image display panel 16 displays the number of credits storedin the RAM 43. Further, the coin payout number is displayed at thepayout number display section 32 of the lower image display panel 16.The graphic board 68 is provided with: a VDP (Video Display Processor),which generates video data, based upon the control signal output fromthe main CPU 41; and a video RAM, etc., which temporarily stores videodata generated by the VDP. The video data employed when the video datais generated by means of the VDP is read from the memory card 53, and isthen included in the game programs stored in the RAM 43.

The bill validator 22 validates legitimacy of bills and acceptslegitimate bills in the cabinet 11. Upon accepting legitimate bills, thebill validator 22 outputs an input signal to the main CPU 41, based uponthe amount of bills. The main CPU 41 stores in the RAM 43 the amount ofcredits responsive to that of bills transmitted by the input signal.

The ticket printer 35 prints, on the questionnaire sheet 39 stopped inadvance in equipment, the amount of credit stored in the RAM 43 and abar code having encoded data such as date and time and ID numbers ofgaming machines 10. This printing is based upon a control signal outputfrom the main CPU 41, and outputs the bar code-attached questionnairesheet 39. The card reader 36 reads data from a smart card, therebytransmitting the read data to the main CPU 41 or writing data into thesmart card. This reading is based upon the control signal from the mainCPU 41. The key switch 38S is provided on the keypad 38, and outputs apredetermined input signal to the main CPU 41 when a player operates thekeypad 38. The questionnaire re-collecting device 37 is intended tore-collect the questionnaire sheets on which answers were written by theplayers. This device is provided with: a reader 377 for reading theanswered written on the questionnaire sheets; a re-collection box 376 bfor stocking the questionnaire sheets on which the answers can be read;and a re-collection box 376 a for stocking the questionnaire sheets onwhich answers cannot be read.

A control panel 20, a reverter 21S, a coin counter 21C, and a coldcathode-ray tube 81 are connected to the door PCB 80. On the controlpanel 20, there are provided: a SPIN switch 23S corresponding to a SPINbutton 23; a CHANGE switch 23S corresponding to a CHANGE button 24; aCASHOUT switch 25S corresponding to a CASHOUT button 25; a 1-BET switch26S corresponding to a 1-BET button 26; and a MAX-BET switch 27Scorresponding to a MAX-BET button 27. The switches 23S to 27S outputinput signals to the main CPU 41 when the player operates thecorresponding buttons 23 to 27.

The coin counter 21C is provided inside of the coin insertion slot 21,and validates legitimacy of the coins inserted into the coin insertionslot 21 by the player. Those other than the legitimate coins aredischarged from the coin payout exit 19. The coin counter 21C alsooutputs an input signal to the main CPU 41 if a legitimate coin isdetected.

The reverter 21S is operable based upon the control signal output fromthe main CPU 41. This reverter distributes, the coins recognized to belegitimate by the coin counter 21C, into a cashbox (not shown) or ahopper 66 which was installed in the gaming machine 10. In other words,if the hopper 66 is filled with coins, the legitimate coins aredistributed to the cashbox by means of the reverter 21S. Otherwise, thelegitimate coins are distributed to the hopper 66. The cold cathode-raytube 81 functions as a backlight which is installed at the rear side ofthe lower and upper image display panels 16 and 33. This backlightilluminates based upon the control signal that was output from the mainCPU 41.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing an ejection mechanism 350 of thequestionnaire sheet 39. The ejection mechanism 350 shown in FIG. 6 isprovided with: a stocker 351 for stocking a plurality of questionnairesheets 39; a lead-in roller 352 for separating the questionnaire sheets39 stocked in the stocker 351 on a one-by-one sheet basis, and then,leading them into a first conveyance passage 353; a conveyance roller354 for further leading to a second conveyance passage 355 thequestionnaire sheets led to the first conveyance passage 353; and anejection roller 356 for ejecting the questionnaire sheets 39 led intothe second conveyance passage 355 to the outside of the gaming machine10. Further, the ticket printer 35 is installed at the upper part of thesecond conveyance passage, and the second conveyance passage 355 canprint the bar codes as described above, to the questionnaire sheet 39 intransportation. In the embodiment, after a free game has terminated,rollers 352, 354, 356 are driven by means of a driving source (notshown), thereby recording bar codes into the questionnaire sheet 39 andejecting the questionnaire sheet 39 having bar codes recorded thereon.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing an exemplary questionnaire sheet 39stocked in the gaming machine 10. The questionnaire sheet 39 shown inFIG. 7 includes a message for asking answers to questionnaires and amessage for players to write answers with pen or ballpoint pen. Further,this sheet includes questions Q1 to Q13 to be answered by the players.These questions include: player's gender, age, and occupation;evaluation and satisfaction relevant base game; evaluation relevant toeffect images and effect music of a base game; evaluation relevant tofree game effect image and effect music; evaluation relevant to gamefacility; and possibility of revisit. Further, a reading indicator 392is formed at the upper right corner of the questionnaire sheet 39. Thisindicator 392 is used to specify the top and bottom of an image, whichis read by the reader 377, and the answer entry position.

Needless to say, the information contained in the questionnaire is notlimitative to the above, and can be arbitrarily set in gaming facilitiesand in areas, etc. If all questions cannot be included in onequestionnaire sheet 39, they may be separately included in a pluralityof questionnaire sheets.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing a questionnaire re-collection device37 in detail. The questionnaire re-collecting device 37 is providedwith: an intake roller 371 for taking the questionnaire sheets on whichanswers were written by the players into the gaming machine 10, andthen, guiding them to either of the second conveyance passages 375 a and375 b; a conveyance roller 373 for guiding the questionnaire sheets thatwere guided to the first conveyance passage 372 to either of the secondand third conveyance passages 375 a and 375 b; a re-collection box 376 afor ejecting and stocking unprocessed questionnaire sheets 39 guided tothe second conveyance passage 375 a; and a re-collection box 376 b forejecting and stocking the read questionnaire sheets 39 guided to thethird conveyance passage 375 b.

An optical reader 377 for reading answers written in the questionnairesheets 39 and a controller 378 for controlling switching of a flipper374 based upon a result of the reading by this reader 377, are providedat the upper side of the first conveyance passage 372. The controller378 is connected to the main body PCB 60, and the reading result inputto the controller 378 is stored in the RAM 43 via the main body PCB 60and the main CPU 41.

Whether or not to re-collect questionnaire sheets in either of the twore-collection boxes 376 a that are included in the questionnairere-collection device 37 is judged by means of the controller 378 inaccordance with the reading result of the questionnaire sheets 39 by thereader 377. In other words, since, in the embodiment, the upperre-collection box 376 a is used for unprocessed sheets, if thecontroller 378 judges that the reading by the reader 377 is disabled, aflipper 374 is shown in FIG. 8A to open the second conveyance passage375 a, and then, guide to the re-collection box 376 a the questionnairesheets 39 taken in the gaming machines 10. Further, since the lowerre-collection box 376 b is used for read sheets, when the controller 378judges that reading by the reader 377 is enabled, the flipper 374 isshown in FIG. 8B, and a third conveyance passage 375 b is opened.Thereafter, the questionnaire sheets 39 taken in the gaming machine 10are guided to the re-collection box 376 b.

FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing an entry example of a questionnairesheet 39. As shown in the figure, the corresponding answered portionsare chosen. The controller 378 analyzes images acquired as a readingresult, and detects relative positions of answers to the indicator 392(i.e., positions of the chosen portions). By specifying where on thequestionnaire sheets the thus detected positions correspond to, it ispossible to judge which answers were selected by the players. Thequestionnaire sheets 39 are ejected to the outside of the gaming machine10 by means of the abovementioned ejection mechanism; and therefore, thebar code 391 printed by the ticket printer 35 is attached.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram depicting an interior configuration of acounting server 200. The counting server 200 is provided with: a CPU 203as a processor; a ROM 204; a RAM 205 as a temporary storage device; acommunication interface 201; and a hard disk drive 206. Thecommunication interface 201 is connected to a communication interface 44of each gaming machine 10 via a communication line 101. The ROM 204stores system programs or permanent data, etc. for controlling operationof a control device 200. A RAM 205 temporarily stores data received fromeach gaming machine 10 or another item of data such as computationresult. Further, the hard disk drive 206 is provided with an answerdatabase in which answers to questionnaires transmitted from the gamingmachines 10 are to be registered.

Hereinafter, operational procedures executed by the gaming machine 10will be described. FIGS. 11 and 12 are flowcharts showing procedures forexecuting main processes in the gaming machine 10. First, a startupprocess is performed in the gaming machine 10 (step S110). The startupprocessing will be described later in detail. While this main routine isexecuted, upon receipt of a detection signal output from a coin counter21C when the coin counter 21C detects the coins inserted into a coininsertion slot 21, the main CPU 41 performs a process of adding theamount of credit stored in the RAM 43 as an interruption process.

Following the startup process, the main CPU 41 of the gaming machine 10judges whether or not player information is input (step S111). Theplayer identification information is input by reading data foridentifying players from a smart card inserted into a card reader 36.When the judgment result is negative (S111: NO), the main CPU 41controls the routine to transfer to step S116 described later.

When the judgment result is affirmative (S111: YES), this CPU controlsthe RAM 43 to store the input player identification information (stepS112). Further, inquiry to the counting server 200 is made based uponthe input player identification information (step S113), and it is thenjudged whether or not there is an answer already registered in thecounting server 200 (step S114). When the judgment result is negative(S114: NO), the main CPU 41 controls the routine to transfer to stepS116 described later.

When the judgment result is affirmative (S114: YES), a method ofperforming game effect rendering is selected in accordance with the pastanswers (step S115). For example, video data or audio data employed foreffect rendering is prepared according to the player's age, and is thenselected based upon information pertinent to the corresponding player'sage registered in the counting server 200. FIG. 13 is a tabulated sheetshowing a relationship between the player's age and video data and audiodata to be selected. In the example of FIG. 13, there is shown that,when the player's age is 20s or 30s, video data A and audio data A arereproduced at the time of game effect rendering. Video data and audiodata may be prepared for each generation, or alternatively, these itemsof data reproduced at the time of selection for each of the gamingmachines 10 may be randomly determined after they are prepared.

While, in the above example, the effect rendering method was selected bythe player's age, it may be selected in accordance with the player'sgender or occupation. The above effect rendering method may be selectedbased upon the player's evaluation or impression or may be selected inaccordance with a history of visit to gaming facility (game history).When the evaluation and satisfaction relevant to effect rendering arehigh, the current effect rendering method can be maintained, or when itis low, the method can be varied. If the frequency of visit to gamingfacility is high, video data and audio data commonly used may be variedto special video data and audio data so as to discriminate one playerfrom another.

When it is judged that player identification information is not input atstep S111 (S111: NO), when it is judged that there is no answer alreadyregistered at step S114 (S114: NO), or when the effect rendering methodis selected at step S115, the routine proceeds to step S116 shown inFIG. 11. At step S116, the main CPU 41 judges whether or not theinsurance mode flag stored in the RAM 43 is set to “ON”. When it isjudged that the insurance mode flag is not set to “ON”, i.e., when it isjudged that the flag is set to “OFF” (S116: NO), a process of displayingan insurance-off mode image is performed (step S117). In this processingoperation, the main CPU 41 transmits, to a graphic board 68, aninstruction for graphically plotting insurance-off mode images. On thegraphic board 68, based upon the abovementioned graphic display command,the VDP samples video data from the RAM 43. This VDP decompresses thesampled data to the video RAM. After that, the VDP generates video datafor one frame, and then, outputs the video data to the upper and lowerimage display panels 33 and 16. As a result, the upper and lower imagedisplay panels 33 and 16 display the images as shown in FIG. 14, forexample.

FIG. 14 is a view showing exemplary images displayed on the upper andlower image display panels in the insurance-off mode. In the figure,reference numerals 15 (15L, 15C, 15R) denote display windows. Referencenumeral 31 denotes a credit amount display section. Reference numeral 32denotes a payout number display section. Uppercase letter L denotes apayline. An image 90 indicating “INSURANCE BET $1.00 TOUCH TO BET” isdisplayed at the lower right of the lower image display panel 16. Theimage 90 is intended to request the player to select an insurance-onmode and to insert gaming mediums required to select the mode. A playercan enter an instruction for selecting an insurance-on mode, by touchinga predetermined site of a touch panel 69 corresponding to a display areaof the image 90.

In order to select the insurance-on mode, a predetermined credit amount(1 dollar in the embodiment) is required. Bills or coins equivalentthereto may be inserted in place of the credit amount. If theinstruction for selecting the insurance-on mode has not been entered,the insurance-off mode is selected.

An image, which is indicative of “WHAT IS INSURANCE?”, is displayedupwardly of the image 90. The image 91 is intended to enter aninstruction for displaying a help image. A player can enter theinstruction for displaying the held image, by touching the predeterminedsite of the touch panel 69 corresponding to the display area of the helpimage. An image 92, which is indicative of “INSURANCE OFF”, is displayedat the lower part of the upper image display panel 33. The image 92indicates that the insurance-off mode is established as a game mode.

Following the process at step S117, the main CPU 41 judges whether ornot an instruction for displaying a help image has been input (stepS118). The instruction for displaying the help image is entered when theplayer touches the predetermined site of the touch panel 69corresponding to the display area of the image 91, as described above.

When the instruction for displaying the help image has been input, aprocess of displaying the help image is performed (step S119). In thisprocess, the main CPU 41 transmits a command for graphically displayingthe help image to the graphic board 68. The graphic board 68 performs aprocess of displaying images on the upper and lower image display panels33 and 16, based upon the abovementioned graphic display command. As aresult, the upper and lower image display panels 33 and 16 display theimages as shown in FIG. 15, for example.

FIG. 15 is a view showing exemplary images displayed on the upper andlower image display panels in the insurance-off mode. While the imagesdisplayed on the upper and lower image display panels 33 and 16 aresubstantially identical to those shown in FIG. 14, they are differenttherefrom in that a help image 93 is displayed at the upper part of theupper image display panel 33. The help image 93 is intended to explain:(a) the number of times of executing a game until a free game (“rescuepay”) is started; and (b) the number of coins (360) paid when the numberof times of executing the game has reached a specific value. The helpimage 93 indicates an explanatory statement of the insurance-on mode.The help image 93 shown in FIG. 15 disappears when a predeterminedperiod of time (10 seconds, for example) has elapsed after displayed.

When the process at step S119 has been executed, or alternatively, whenthe instruction for displaying the help image at step S118 has not beeninput, the main CPU 41 judges whether or not an instruction forselecting an insurance-on mode has been entered (step S120). Theinstruction for selecting the insurance-on mode is entered when theplayer touches the predetermined site of the touch panel 69corresponding to the display area of the image 90, as described above.

When the instruction for selecting the insurance-on mode has been input,the main CPU 41 sets the insurance mode flag stored in the RAM 43 to“ON” (step S121). Subsequently, the main CPU 41 performs a process ofsubtracting a predetermined number (amount of credit equivalent to 1dollar in the embodiment) from the amount of credit stored in the RAM 43(step S122).

When it is judged that the insurance mode flag is set to “ON” or whenthe process at step S122 is executed at step S116, a process ofdisplaying the insurance-on mode image is performed (step S123). In thisprocessing operation, the main CPU 41 transmits a command forgraphically drawing the insurance-on mode image to the graphic board 68.On the graphic board 68, based upon the abovementioned graphic displaycommand, the VDP samples video data from the RAM 43 (storage device),and then, decompresses the sampled data to the video RAM. After that,the VDP generates video data for one frame, and then, outputs the videodata to the upper and lower image display panels 33 and 16. As a result,the upper and lower image display panels 33 and 16 display the images asshown in FIG. 16, for example.

FIG. 16 is a view showing exemplary images displayed on the upper andlower image display panels in the insurance-on mode. At the lower rightof the lower image display panel 16, an image 90 a which is indicativeof “INSURANCE IS ONGOING! TOUCH TO SEE HELP” is displayed in place ofthe image 90 (see FIG. 14). The image 90 a is indicative of the factthat the game mode is the insurance-on mode, and is intended to enterthe instruction for displaying the help image. The player can enter theinstruction for displaying the help image, by touching the predeterminedsite of the touch panel 69 corresponding to the display area of theimage 90 a. At the lower part of the upper image display panel 33, animage 92 a is displayed which is indicative of a message “INSURANCE ISONGOING! 1,000 TIMES STILL REMAIN UNTIL FREE GAME IS STARTED”. The image92 a is indicative of the fact that the game mode is the insurance-onmode.

Following the process at step S123, the main CPU 41 performs a gameexecution process during the insurance-on mode (step S124). This processwill be described later in detail, referring to FIGS. 17 and 18. Afterthe completion of the game execution process during the insurance-onmode, the game count is incremented by 1 (step S125).

If the instruction for selecting the insurance-on mode has not beeninput at step S120, the main CPU 41 performs the game execution processduring the insurance-off mode (step S126). This process is substantiallyidentical to that during the insurance-on mode, except the fact that theprocess pertinent to counting of the number of games, and thus, adescription thereof is omitted. While, in the insurance-off mode, theimage 92 is displayed on the upper image display panel 33, and theimages 90, 91 are displayed on the lower image display panel 16. Whenthe process at step S125 or S126 has been executed, the routine is thenreverted to step S116.

While the embodiment described a case in which the upper and lower imagedisplay panels 33 and 16 display the images 90 a, 92 a for notifying atransfer to the insurance-on mode, a sound for notifying the transfer tothe insurance-on mode may be output from the speaker 29, in the presentinvention.

Next, the game execution process during the insurance-on mode read atstep S124 in the main routine shown in FIG. 12 will be described. FIGS.17 and 18 are flowcharts showing procedures for performing the gameexecution process during the insurance-on mode. First, the main CPU 41,together with the ID number assigned thereto, notifies the current totalgame count C to a common display device 200, through a communicationinterface 44 (step S201).

Subsequently, the main CPU 41 judges whether or not the current totalgame count C is less than the abovementioned first predetermined valueTh1 (990 in the embodiment) (step S202). When it is judged that thecurrent total game count C is less than the first predetermined valueTh1 (S202: NO), normal effect rendering is performed (step S203). Inthis process, the main CPU 41 transmits to the graphic board 68 acommand for graphically displaying the image selected at step S115 inthe main routine. On the graphic board 68, based upon the abovementionedgraphics-drawing command, the VDP samples video data from the RAM 43;decompresses the sampled data on the video RAM; generates video data forone frame; and then, outputs the video data to the lower image displaypanel 16. As a result, the lower image display panel 16 displays anormal effect image. Further, the music selected at step S115 in themain routine is output through a speaker 29. This normal effect isdifferent from the countdown effect rendered when the current game roundapproaches a free game, and serves as an effect image or music foraugmenting a base game.

Next, it is judged whether or not coins are betted (step S204). In thisprocessing operation, the main CPU 41 judges whether or not an inputsignal output from a 1-BET switch 26S when a 1-BET button 26 is operatedor that output from a MAX-BET switch 27S when a MAX-BET button 27 isoperated has been received. When it is judged that no coins are betted(S204: NO), the routine reverts to step S204.

When it is judged that coins are betted at step S204 (S204: YES), themain CPU 41 performs processing of subtracting the credit amount storedin the RAM 43, in accordance with the number of betted coins (stepS205). If the number of coins to be betted is greater than the creditamount stored in the RAM 43, this CPU does not perform the subtractionprocessing, and the routine reverts to step S204.

Subsequently, the main CPU 41 executes single-game processing describedlater (step S206). Procedures for performing the single-game processingwill be described later. A game is executed in which, while it istriggered that the SPIN button 23 has been turned ON by the player,rotational control of the reels 14 and processing of determining symbolsto be stopped are performed, and a payment is made in accordance withstopped symbols or a combination thereof. After this single-gameprocessing has been completed, the main CPU 41 increments, by 1, thevalue of total game count C to be stored in the RAM 42 (step S207).After that, the current step reverts to the main routine shown in FIG.9.

When it is judged that the current total game count C is not smallerthan the first predetermined value Th1 (S202: NO), the main CPU 41judges whether or not the current total game count C is smaller than thesecond predetermined value Th2 (1,000 in the embodiment) (step S208).When the current game count C is equal to or greater than thepredetermined value Th1, or alternatively, when it is smaller than thesecond predetermined value Th2 (S208: YES), countdown effect renderingis performed (step S209). In this process, the main CPU 41 transmits tothe graphic board 68 a command for graphically displaying the imageselected at step S115 in the main routine. On the graphic board 68,based upon the abovementioned graphic display command, the VDP samplesvideo data from the RAM 43, and thereafter, decompresses the sampleddata to the video RAM. After that, the VDP generates video data for oneframe, and then, outputs the video data to the upper image display panel33. As a result, an image for a countdown effect is displayed on theupper image display panel 33. The music selected at step S115 in themain routine is output through the speaker 29. After that, the routineis reverted to the above step S204, and a base game is then performed.

When it is judged that the current total game count C reached the secondpredetermined value Th2 at step S208 (S208: NO), the free game asdescribed above is started. Because the total game count has reached thesecond predetermined value Th2, free-game effect rendering is performedby displaying an image indicating that a predetermined number of coins(360 coins in the embodiment) is paid out as a rescue pay and an imageindicating the remaining number of free games (step S210). In thisprocess, the main CPU 41 transmits to the graphic board 68 a command forgraphically displaying the image selected at step S115 in the mainroutine. On the graphic board 68, based upon the above graphic displaycommand, the VDP samples video data from the RAM 43, and then,decompresses the sampled data to the video RAM. After that, the VDPgenerates video data for one frame, and then, outputs the video data tothe upper image display panel 33. As a result, the free game effectimage is displayed on the upper image display panel 33. Further, themusic selected at step S115 in the main routine is output through thespeaker 29.

Next, the single game processing described later is executed (stepS211). Procedures for performing the single-game processing will bedescribed later. A game is executed in which, while it is triggered thatthe SPIN button 23 is turned ON by the player, rotational control of thereels 14 and processing of determining symbols to be stopped areperformed, and a payment is made in accordance with stopped symbols or acombination thereof.

The main CPU 41 judges whether or not to terminate a free game, byjudging whether or not the number of times of executing the single-gameprocessing at step S211 executed as a free game reached a predeterminednumber of times (step S212). When the judgment result is negative (S212:NO), the routine is reverted to step S211.

When the judgment result is affirmative (S212: YES), the answer requestscreen A100 shown in FIG. 1 is displayed on the lower image displaypanel 16. When the answer acceptance button A101 is depressed on thisquestionnaire request screen A100, the questionnaire sheets 39 areejected by means of an ejection mechanism 350 for ejecting them (stepS213).

Next, the controller 378 of the questionnaire re-collection device 37judges whether or not the questionnaire sheets 39 have been insertedinto a re-collection port (step S214). Whether or not the questionaresheets 39 have been inserted can be judged according to whether or not aload on the intake roller 371 provided in the vicinity of there-collection port has been detected. If the questionnaire sheets 39have not been inserted (S214: NO), the controller waits until the sheetsare inserted.

When the judgment result is affirmative (S214: YES), the controller 378judges whether or not answers can be read from the questionnaire sheets39 (step S215). When it is judged that the reading is possible, theanswers obtained by the image analysis as mentioned above are stored inthe RAM 42 (step S216). After that, the stored answers are transmittedto the counting server 200 together with gaming machine ID numbers,gaming facility numbers, player identification information (only when itis input), and date and time of answer (step S217).

FIG. 19 is a schematic view showing an exemplary counting databaseincluded in the counting server 200. The counting database shown in FIG.19 is prepared in the hard disk drive 206 of the counting server, and isconstituted so as to be updated upon receipt of answers from the gamingmachines 10 and information associated therewith. This counting databasestores game machine identification numbers, gaming facility numbers,player identification information, date and time of answer, and answersfrom players in association with each other. Answers are stored in astate in which those to questions Q1 to Q13 are digitized. For example,“1” is stored if an answer concerning gender is “male” and “2” is storedif it is “female”.

Next, the controller 378 controls the flipper 374, as shown in FIG. 8B,to guide the questionnaire sheets 39 internally taken through the intakeroller 371 to a re-collection box 376 b for read sheets, through a thirdconveyance passage 375 b. In this manner, the internally takenquestionnaire sheets 39 are conveyed to the re-collection box 376 b forread sheets, through the third conveyance passage 375 b, and then, thesheets are re-connected by this re-collection box 376 b.

When it is judged that an answer cannot be read from the questionnairesheets 39 at step S215 (S215: NO), the controller 378 controls theflipper 374, as shown in FIG. 8A, to guide the questionnaire sheets 39internally taken through the intake roller 371 to the re-collection box376 a for unprocessed sheets through the second conveyance passage 375a. The thus taken questionnaire sheets 39 are conveyed to there-collection box 376 a for unprocessed sheets through the secondconveyance passage 375 a, and then, the conveyed sheets are re-collectedby this re-collection box 376 a.

When the questionnaire sheets 39 taken in the equipment is re-collectedin either of the re-collection boxes 376 a and 376 b, the main CPU 41clears the total game count C stored in the RAM 42 (step S220). Theinsurance mode flag is set to OFF (step S221). After that, the currentstep is reverted to the main routine shown in FIGS. 11 and 12.

Next, single-game processing invoked at steps S206 and S211 in thesubroutine shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 will be described. FIG. 20 is aflowchart showing procedures for executing single-game processing.First, the main CPU 41 judges whether or not the SPIN button 23 has beenturned ON (step S301). In this processing operation, the main CPU 41judges whether or not the input signal output from the SPIN switch 23Shas been received when the SPIN button 23 has been depressed. When it isjudged that the SPIN button 23 has not been turned ON (step S310: NO),the routine reverts to step S301. If the SPIN button 23 has not turnedON (for example, if an instruction for terminating a game withoutturning ON the SPIN button 301 is entered), the main CPU 41 cancels asubtraction result at step S205.

While the present embodiment describes a case of performing processingof subtracting the credit amount before judging whether or not the SPINbutton 23 has been turned ON after betting coins, the present inventionis not limitative thereto. For example, it may be a routine to performprocessing of judging whether or not the SPIN button 23 has been turnedON after coins have been betted, and then, subtracting the credit amountin the case where the judgment result is affirmative.

When it is judged that the SPIN button 23 has been turned ON at stepS301 (S301: YES), the main CPU 41 performs stopped-symbol determinationprocessing (step S302). In this stopped-symbol determination process,the main CPU 41 executes the stopped-symbol determination program storedin the RAM 43, thereby determining code No. at the time of stopping eachof the reels 14. In this manner, a combination of symbols displayed in astopped state is determined. A detailed description thereof will begiven later.

While the present embodiment describes a case of determining one winningcombination from among plural kinds of winning combinations bydetermining a combination of symbols displayed in a stopped state, forexample, in the present invention, it may be a routine to determine onewinning combination randomly selected from among plural kinds of winningcombinations with the use of random number values, and thereafter,determine the combination of the symbols displayed in a stopped state,based upon the abovementioned winning combination.

Next, the main CPU 41 performs reel rotation control processing (stepS303). This processing operation is intended to stop rotation of eachreel, so that a combination of specific symbols corresponding to thewinning combination determined at step S302 is displayed in a stoppedstate on the payline L after rotation of all of the reels 14 is started.A detailed description thereof will be given later.

Next, the main CPU 41 judges whether or not a bonus game trigger hasbeen established (step S304). When the judgment result is affirmative(S304: YES), any one jackpot is selected from among four different typesof jackpots “GRAND”, “MAJOR”, “MINOR”, and “MINI” with the use of randomnumber values, and a predetermined number of coins for such jackpot arepaid out (step S307). When coins are stored, the main CPU 41 performs aprocess of adding the amount of credit stored in the RAM 43. When coinsare paid out, the main CPU 41 transmits a control signal to the hopper66, and pays out a predetermined number of coins. At that time, a coindetecting section 67 counts the number of coins paid out from the hopper66, and then, transmits a payout completion signal to the main CPU 41when the counted value has reached a specified number. In this manner,the main CPU 41 stops driving the hopper 66, and then, terminates coinpayout processing.

If no bonus game trigger is established at step S304 (S304: NO), themain CPU 41 judges whether or not a winning combination is realized(step S305). When the judgment result is affirmative (S305: YES), themain CPU 41 pays out coins according to the number of inserted coins andthe realized winning combination (step S306). When it is judged that nowinning combination is realized at step 305, or alternatively, if theprocessing at step S306 or S307 is executed, this subroutine isterminated.

Next, the stopped-symbol determination process invoked at step S302 inthe subroutine shown in FIG. 20 will be described. FIG. 21 is aflowchart showing procedures for determining symbols to be stopped. Thisprocess is performed by the main CPU 41 executing the stopped-symboldetermination program stored in the RAM 43. First, the main CPU 41selects the random number values corresponding to each of the threereels 14, from among the numeric range of 0 to 255, by executing therandom number generation program included in the stopped-symboldetermination program (step S401). The present embodiment describes acase of generating random numbers in a programmable fashion (a case ofusing so called software random numbers). In the present invention,however, a random number generator is provided, whereby random numbersmay be sampled from the random number generator (so called hardwarerandom numbers may be used).

Next, the main CPU 41 (processor) references the symbol-weight datacorresponding to the payout rate setting data output from the GAL 54 andstored in the RAM 43 (storage device); and determines code Nos. of thereels 14, based upon the selected three random number values (stepS402). The code Nos. of the reels 14 correspond to those of the symbolsdisplayed in a stopped state on the payline L. A reel rotation controlprocess described later is performed based upon code Nos. of the reels.

Next, the reel rotation control process invoked at step S303 in thesubroutine shown in FIG. 20 will be described. FIG. 22 is a flowchartshowing procedures for executing reel rotation control processing. Thisprocessing operation is performed between the main CPU 41 and a sub CPU61.

First, the main CPU 41 transmits to the sub CPU 61 a start signal forstoring reel rotation (step S501). Upon the receipt of the start signalfrom the main CPU 41, the sub CPU 61 performs reel rotation processing(step S502). In this process, the sub CPU 61 supplies pulses to themotor driving circuit 62. The pulses output from the sub CPU 61 areamplified by means of the driver 64, and then, the amplified pulses aresupplied to stepping motors 70 (70L, 70C, 70R). As a result, each of thestepping motors 70 rotates, and concurrently, each of the reels 14 (14L,14C, 14R) rotates. The stepping motors 70 of the 1-2 phase excitationsystem are 0.9 degrees in stepping angle and 400 in the number of stepsper rotation. Therefore, when 400 pulses are supplied to the steppingmotors 70, the reels 14 make one rotation.

At the time of starting rotation of the reels 14, the sub CPU 206supplies pulses, with low frequencies to the motor driving circuit 62,and then, gradually increases the frequencies of the pulses.Concurrently, the rotation speed of each of the reels 14 increases. Whena predetermined time has elapsed, the frequencies of the pulses are madeuniform. As a result, each of the reels 14 rotates at a constant speed.

Referring now to FIG. 23A to 23D, rotating movement of the reels 14 willbe described. These figures are explanatory side views of the rotatingmovement of the reels 14. As shown in FIG. 23A, a semicircular metalplate 14 a is provided at the side face of each of the reels 14. Themetal plate 14 a is rotated with each of the reels 14. Further, 22symbols are provided on the peripheral face of each of the reels 14.Three of the 22 symbols drawn on the peripheral face of each of thereels 14 can be visually recognized via a display window 15 formed infront of each of the reels 14. In the figure, the heavily-lined arrowsindicate the rotational directions of the reels 14. Further, a proximitysensor 65 a is provided laterally of the reels 14. The proximity sensor65 a is for detecting the metal plate 14 a. The proximity sensor 65 aneither moves nor rotates, even if each of the reels 14 rotates.

FIG. 23A shows a position of the metal plate 14 a when the plate isabout to be detected by means of the proximity sensor 65 a (hereinafter,referred to as position A). If the reels 14 rotate when the metal plate14 a is at position A, the metal plate 14 a moves to the position shownin FIG. 23B. FIG. 23B shows a position of the metal plate 14 a when theplate is detected by means of the proximity sensor 65 a (hereinafter,referred to as position B). If the reels 14 rotate when the metal plate14 a is at position B, the metal plate 14 a moves to the position shownin FIG. 23C. FIG. 23C shows a position of the metal plate 14 a when theplate is not detected by means of the proximity sensor 65 a(hereinafter, referred to as position C).

If the reels 14 rotate when the metal plate 14 a is set at position C,the metal plate 14 a moves to the position shown in FIG. 23D. The figureshows a position of the metal plate 14 a when the plate is not detectedby means of the proximity sensor 65 a (hereinafter, referred to asposition D). If the reels 14 further rotate, the metal plate 14 areverts to the position A. As described above, the plate 14 a issequentially shifted to positions A, B, C, D, and then, to A, togetherwith rotation of the reels 14.

The proximity sensor 65 a constitutes an index detection circuit 65 (seeFIG. 5). Assuming that a state in which the proximity sensor 65 a isdetecting the metal plate 14 a is established at “High” and a state inwhich such detection is not being performed is established at “Low”,when the metal plate 14 a is shifted to the positions C, D, and then, toA, the state of the index detection circuit 65 is established at “Low”.The sub CPU 61 recognizes the rotational position of each of the reels14 while a rising edge from “Low” to “High” is defined as an index(origin) 1 and a falling edge from “High” to “Low” is defined as anindex (origin) 2.

The main CPU 41 executes an effect at the time of reel rotation aftertransmitting a start signal to the sub CPU 61 at step S40 (step S503).This processing operation is intended to display an image on the lowerimage display panel 16 or outputs a sound from the speaker 29, over aperiod (3 seconds, for example) which is defined responsive to a result,etc. of the abovementioned stopped-symbol determination processing.

Next, the main CPU 41 judges whether or not a timing of instructingrotation stop of the reels 14 is established (step S504). The timing ofinstructing rotation stop of the reels 14 denotes a timing which isprecedent by time intervals minimally required to stop rotation of thereels 14. The timing minimally required to stop rotation of the reels 14is predetermined.

When the judgment result at step S504 is negative (S504: NO), theroutine restarts from the same step at which the effect at the time ofreel rotation is continuously provided. If the result is affirmative(S504: YES), the main CPU 41 transmits, to the sub CPU 61, code Nos. ofthe reels which were stored in the RAM 43 (step S505). Upon the receiptof code Nos. of reels from the main CPU 41, the sub CPU 61 converts thecode Nos. to the stop positions of reels from index (step Nos.), basedupon a correlation table between the number of steps and code Nos.stored in the ROM (not shown) included in the sub CPU 61.

FIG. 24 is a schematic view showing a correlation table between thenumber of steps and code Nos. For code Nos., the corresponding indexesand the number of steps are associated with each other. Code Nos.correspond to the symbols drawn on the outer periphery of reels 14, andthe symbols of code Nos. “00” to “10” correspond to index 1, and thoseof code Nos. The symbols of code Nos. 11 to 21 correspond to index 2.The number of steps in the correlation table shown in FIG. 24 isequivalent to that in the case where index 1 is defined as a reference.For example, if code No. is “08”, 145 steps from index 1 are equivalentto reel stop positions. Further, if code No. is “12”, 218 steps fromindex 1 are equivalent to reel stop positions.

Next, the sub CPU 61 executes reel stop processing (step S507). In thisprocessing operation, the sub CPU 61 detects, for each of the reels 14,a rising edge (index 1) from “Low” to “High” in the index detectioncircuit 65. Then, this sub CPU supplies to the motor driving circuit 62the pulses which are equivalent to the number of steps converted fromcode Nos. at step S52, with a timing with which index 1 was detected.After that, the sub CPU stops supplying pulses.

For example, at step S506, if the reel stop position is determined to be145 steps from index 1, the sub CPU 61 supplies 145 pulses to the motordriving circuit 62 with the timing with which index 1 was detected.After that, this sub CPU stops supplying pulses. Further, at step S52,if the reel stop position is determined to be 21 steps from index 1, thesub CPU 61 supplies 218 pulses to the motor driving circuit 62, with thetiming with which index 1 was detected. As a result, the reels 14 stopin accordance with the code Nos. determined at step S402 of FIG. 21, anda combination of symbols corresponding to the winning combinationdetermined at step S402 of FIG. 21 is displayed in a stopped state. Themain CPU 41 terminates effect rendering at the time of reel rotation(step S508). After terminating the processing operations at steps S507and S508, the main CPU 41 terminates this processing operation.

If the index corresponding to code No. transmitted at step S505 isdifferent from that detected by means of the index detection circuit 65when rotation of the reels 14 has stopped, step-out of the reels 14arises. Thus, the main CPU 41 performs processing, for example, ofdisplaying an error message on the lower image display panel 16, andthen, cancels a game. For example, this CPU cancels a game, if index 1is detected by means of the index detection circuit 65 when rotation ofthe reel 14L has stopped in spite of the fact that the processing ofstopping the reel 14L with code No. 12 corresponding to index 2 wasperformed.

The present embodiment described a case of using mechanical reels 14.However, in the present invention, symbols may be displayed on a displaydevice such as a liquid crystal display device, instead of themechanical reels 14.

Lastly, startup processing, which is invoked at step S110 in the mainroutine shown in FIG. 11, will be described. FIG. 25 is a flowchartshowing procedures for performing startup processing. This process showsprocedures for performing an authentication reading process of gameprograms and game system programs by means of a motherboard 40 and thegaming board 50. A memory card 53 is inserted into a card slot 53Sprovided in the gaming board 50, and the GAL 54 is mounted to an ICsocket 54S.

When a power switch is turned ON (power is supplied) in a power unit 45,the motherboard 40 and the gaming board 50 are started up (steps S1-1,S2-1). When they are started up, individual processing operations areperformed, respectively. That is, on the gaming board 50, the CPU 51reads a preliminary authentication program stored in the boot ROM 52. Inaccordance with the read preliminary authentication program, this CPUperforms preliminary authentication to verify and certify in advancethat an authentication program is not falsified, before data capturingin the motherboard 40 (step S2-2). On the other hand, on the motherboard40, the main CPU 41 executes a BIOS stored in the ROM 42, and then,decomposes in the RAM 43 the compressed data incorporated in the BIOS(step S1-2). After that, the main CPU 41 executes the BIOS decompressedin the RAM 43, and diagnoses and initializes various peripheries (stepS1-3).

To the main CPU 41, a ROM 55 of the gaming board 50 is connected via aPCI bus. The main CPU 41 performs processing of reading theauthentication program stored in the ROM 55 and storing the readauthentication program in the RAM 43 (step S1-4). At this time, the mainCPU 41 takes a check sum by means of an ADD SUM system (standard checkfunction) in accordance with the standard BIOS functions, and then,causes the RAM 43 to store the authentication program, while performingverification processing of whether or not storing operation is reliablyperformed without any mistake.

Next, the main CPU 41 accesses the memory card 53 inserted into the cardslot 53S via an IDE bus after verifying what is connected to the IDEbus. Then, this main CPU reads the game programs and the game systemprograms from the memory card 53. In this case, the main CPU 41 reads,by four bytes, data constituting the game programs and the game systemprograms. Subsequently, the main CPU 41 performs authentication toverify and certifies that the read game programs and game systemprograms are not falsified, in accordance with the authenticationprogram stored in the RAM 43 (steps S1-5). When this authenticationprocessing normally terminates, the main CPU 41 causes the RAM 43 towrite and store the (authenticated) game programs and game systemprograms targeted for authentication (steps S1-6). Next, the main CPU 41provides an access to the GAL 54 mounted to the IC socket 54S via thePCI bus; reads payout rate setting data; and causes the RAM 43 to writeand store the data (steps S1-7). Next, the main CPU 41 performsprocessing of reading country ID information stored in the ROM 55 of thegaming board 50 and causing the RAM 43 to store the read country IDinformation (steps S1-8).

After performing such startup processing, the main CPU 41 sequentiallyreads and executes the game programs and game system programs, therebyconducting the abovementioned game.

As described above, in the embodiment, the questionnaire sheet 39 isoutput which contains questions to be answered relevant to the player'sage and gender, impression or evaluation relevant to games, andimpression or evaluation of gaming facilities in which the gamingmachines 10 are installed. The answers to these questions are obtainedfrom the players, whereby information pertinent to the players such asthe players' ages and genders and the players' actual opinions ofadvantages and drawbacks of games, etc., which the players felt, can becollected in a short time without making any market research for.

Further, transmitting answers to the counting server 200 transmits gamemachine ID numbers of identifying the gaming machines 10 or informationsuch as gaming facility No. of gaming facility in which the gamingmachines 10 are installed. Thus, information pertinent to the playersand impression or evaluation relevant to the games can be re-collectedfor each gaming facility and for each gaming machine 10, and marquee canbe enhanced more remarkably by replacing the gaming machines or varyingthe contents of the games based upon the re-collection result.

Further, the image or music responsible to the player's answer isreproduced at the counting server 200 at the time of starting a game,making it possible to attract the player's interest and concern.

The present embodiment described: a base game in which, after gamingmediums are betted, symbols are rearranged on the display device, andthen, a payment is made in accordance with a combination of therearranged symbols; and a free game executed without betting the gamingmediums. However, the games executed at the gaming machine 10 are notlimitative to the base game or free game. A game different from those ofthe slot machine may be performed. For example, a card game such aspoker or any other game such as a shooting game or a martial art gamemay be performed. At this time, these games may be performed only once,or alternatively, may be repeatedly performed over a plurality of times.

Further, advantageous effects described in the embodiments of thepresent invention are merely exemplified as the most preferable effectsderived from the present invention. The advantageous effects accordingto the present invention are not limitative to those described in theembodiments thereof.

1. A gaming machine, comprising: a controller which executes a process of starting a game, as triggered by establishment of a predetermined condition; a reading device which reads a form in which an answer to a question has been filled, and converts the read answer into data; and a memory which stores the data of the answer converted by the reading device.
 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising: a memory which stores plural types of video data and audio data; and a reproduction device which reproduces video data and audio data selected in response to the stored answer.
 3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising a communication interface connected to a counting server for counting the answer to the question, wherein: the communication interface transmits the answer data-converted by the reading device to the counting server together with identification information for identifying a transmission source.
 4. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein: the controller executes a process of counting the number of times of executing the game and a process of judging whether or not the counted number of times of executing the game reaches a predetermined value, and further comprises: a stocker for stocking a form on which questions to be answered are printed; and an ejection device which is capable of ejecting the form stocked in the stocker in a case where it is judged that the number of times of executing the game reaches a predetermined value by the controller.
 5. The gaming machine according to claim 4, further comprising a re-collection device for re-collecting the form that is ejected by the ejection device and in which answers to questions are entered, wherein: the reading device reads an answer from the form re-collected by the re-collection device, and data-converts the read answer.
 6. The gaming machine according to claim 5, wherein: the controller executes a process of setting a waiting state of waiting for re-collection of the form in which answers to questions are entered, after ejecting the form by the ejection device and a process of associating the answer data-converted from the form re-collected after establishing the waiting state, with a game history obtained until the waiting state is established, and then, storing the associated answer in the memory.
 7. The gaming machine according to claim 6, further comprising: a memory which stores plural types of video data and audio data; and a reproduction device which reproduces video data and audio data selected in response to the stored answer and game history.
 8. The gaming machine according to claim 5, wherein: the re-collection device has: a re-collection box for stocking a form from which an answer can be read, from among the answered entry sheets; and another re-collection box for re-collecting a form from which an answer cannot be read.
 9. A gaming machine, comprising: a controller which executes a process of starting a game, as triggered by establishment of a predetermined condition, a process of counting the number of times of executing the game, and a process of judging whether or not the counted number of times of executing the game has reached a predetermined value; a stocker for stocking a form on which questions to be answered are printed; an ejection device which is capable of ejecting the form stocked in the stocker in a case where it is judged that the number of times of executing the game has reached a predetermined value by the controller; a re-collection device for re-collecting the form that is ejected by the ejection device and in which answers to questions are entered; a reading device which reads the form in which answers to questions are entered and which data-converts the read answer; a memory which stores the answers data-converted by the reading device and plural types of video data and audio data; and a reproduction device which reproduces video data or audio data stored in the memory, wherein: the controller executes a process of transfer to a waiting state waiting for re-collection of the form in which answers to questions have been entered, after ejecting the form by the ejection device, a process of associating an answer data-converted from the form re-collected after transfer to the waiting state with a game history obtained until transfer to the waiting state, and storing the associated answer in the memory, and a process of selecting video data and audio data from the memory in accordance with the answer and game history stored in the memory, and wherein: the reproduction device reproduces the video data and audio data selected by the controller.
 10. A gaming machine, comprising: a controller which executes a process of starting a game, as triggered by establishment of a predetermined condition, a process of counting the number of times of executing the game, and a process of judging whether or not the counted number of times of executing the game has reached a predetermined value; a stocker for stocking a form on which questions to be answered are printed; an ejection device which is capable of ejecting the form stocked in the stocker in a case where it is judged that the number of times of executing the game has reached a predetermined value by the controller; a re-collection device for re-collecting the form that is ejected by the ejection device and in which answers to questions are entered; a reading device which reads the form in which answers to questions are entered and which data-converts the read answer; and a memory which stores the answer data-converted by the reading device, wherein: the re-collection device has: a re-collection box for stocking a form from which an answer can be read, from among the answered entry sheets; and another re-collection box for re-collecting a form from which an answer cannot be read.
 11. A method of acquiring from a player an answer to a question, comprising the steps of: starting a game while it is triggered that a predetermined condition has been met; reading, by a reading device, a form in which an answer to a question has been entered; data-converting the read answer; and storing the data-converted answer in a memory. 